JP6949667B2 - Imaging equipment, accessory equipment, control methods and control programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to imaging devices, accessory devices, control methods and control programs.

In an interchangeable lens camera system that includes an image pickup device with a removable interchangeable lens (hereinafter referred to as the camera body), the camera body controls the operation of the interchangeable lens, and the interchangeable lens transfers the data necessary for that control and imaging to the camera body. Communication is performed to provide or provide. In particular, when an interchangeable lens is used to image a video for recording or a video for live view display, smooth lens control is required according to the imaging cycle. Therefore, the imaging timing of the camera body and the control timing of the interchangeable lens are different. Need to be synchronized. Therefore, the camera body needs to complete the reception of data from the interchangeable lens and the transmission of commands such as various instructions and requests to the interchangeable lens within the imaging cycle. However, as the amount of data received by the camera body from the interchangeable lens increases and the imaging cycle is shortened (higher frame rate), higher speed communication of a large amount of data is required.

In addition, adapters such as a wide converter and a teleconverter (extender) may be connected between the camera body and the interchangeable lens, and these adapters also communicate with the camera body in the same manner as the interchangeable lens. Therefore, the camera system requires a communication system in which the camera body can perform one-to-many communication with a plurality of accessory devices including an interchangeable lens and an adapter. As a communication method for realizing one-to-many communication between a communication master and a plurality of communication slaves, there is an I2C communication method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1.

NXP Materials: I2C Bus Specifications and User Manual Rev5.0J-2-October 9, 2012 [May 20, 2017 Internet Search URL: http://www.nxp.com/documents/user_manual/UM10204_JA. pdf]

However, the address of the communication slave that can be specified by the I2C bus is fixed for each communication slave or is selected by the user from a slight width (about several bits) in terms of hardware. In any of these cases, the communication master needs to know in advance the addresses of the plurality of communication slaves connected to the communication master.

On the other hand, in a camera system in which a plurality of accessory devices as communication slaves can be connected and connected, the camera body, which is the communication master, determines in advance what kind of accessory device (for example, a newly used one) is connected and how many. It may not be possible to know. In this case, it is assumed that the addresses that can be assigned to the communication sleeve are addresses 0 to n. The camera body, which does not know the type and number of connected accessory devices, performs authentication communication to authenticate (confirm) the accessory device for all addresses from 0 to n, including addresses where the accessory device does not exist. There is a need to do. If noise is generated in the communication line during this authentication communication, a communication error or other malfunction is caused, and it takes time to redo the authentication communication, which delays the start of imaging by the imaging system.

The present invention provides an imaging device, an accessory device, a control method, and a control program capable of avoiding a malfunction due to noise generated by switching a channel switch provided on a communication line.

The image pickup device as one aspect of the present invention is an image pickup device that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected. The image pickup device is connected to a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices and a data communication channel used for data communication between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. It has a camera communication unit and a camera control unit that performs data communication or processing according to an accessory signal input from any of a plurality of accessory devices via a signal transmission channel. When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching the connection and disconnection of the signal transmission channel, the camera control unit performs the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. It is characterized in that an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed according to a signal from is provided.

The accessory device as another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device connected to an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected. The accessory device is connected to a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices and a data communication channel used for data communication between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. It has an accessory communication unit and an accessory control unit that inputs an accessory signal to the image pickup device via a signal transmission channel and performs data communication or processing. When a plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connection and disconnection of the signal transmission channel, the accessory control unit is used when switching the channel switch from the signal transmission channel. It is characterized in that an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed according to a signal is provided.

A control method as another aspect of the present invention is an image pickup device that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and a signal transmission used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. It is applied to an imaging device connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between a channel and an imaging device and a plurality of accessory devices. The control method is one of a plurality of accessory devices via a signal transmission channel when the plurality of accessory devices includes at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connection and disconnection of a signal transmission channel. A step of performing data communication or processing according to the accessory signal input from, and a step of providing an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed according to the signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. It is characterized by including.

A control method as another aspect of the present invention is an accessory device connected to an image pickup device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected, and a signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. It is applied to the accessory device connected to the signal transmission channel used in the above and the data communication channel used for data communication between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. In the control method, when a plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connection and disconnection of a signal transmission channel, the accessory signal is input to the image pickup device via the signal transmission channel. It is characterized by including a step of performing data communication or processing and a step of providing an input invalid period in which data communication or processing is not performed according to a signal from a signal transmission channel when switching a channel switch. ..

A computer program for operating the computer of the image pickup device or the accessory device according to the control method also constitutes another aspect of the present invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to avoid malfunction of the image pickup apparatus or accessory apparatus due to noise generated by switching the channel switch provided on the communication line.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the camera system in Example 1 of this invention. The figure which shows the communication circuit of a camera body, an interchangeable lens, and an adapter in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication format in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication waveform in the broadcast communication in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication waveform in P2P communication in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication waveform at the time of communication mode switching in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing of the camera body in the broadcast communication in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing of the interchangeable lens and the adapter in the broadcast communication in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing of the camera body in P2P communication in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the processing of the interchangeable lens and the adapter in P2P communication in Example 1. FIG. The figure which shows the communication waveform in the authentication communication processing in Example 1. FIG. The flowchart which shows the said authentication communication processing. The figure which shows the CS dead period and CS change ignoring period in the said authentication communication processing.

Hereinafter, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows an imaging system (hereinafter, simply referred to as an adapter) 200 including an imaging device (hereinafter, referred to as a camera body) 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, an interchangeable lens 100, which is an accessory device, and an intermediate adapter device (hereinafter, simply referred to as an adapter) 300, respectively. Hereinafter, the configuration of the camera system) will be shown. In this embodiment, the camera body 200 that can be used in a state where the interchangeable lens 100 is connected via the adapter 300 (a state in which a plurality of accessory devices are connected) is shown.

FIG. 1 shows a camera system in which one adapter 300 is connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 as an example, but a plurality of adapters are connected and connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100. May be good.

In the camera system of this embodiment, communication is performed between the camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the adapter 300 by using a plurality of communication methods. The camera body 200, the interchangeable lens 100, and the adapter 300 transmit control commands and data (information) via their respective communication units. In addition, each communication unit supports multiple communication methods, and by switching to the same communication method in synchronization with each other according to the type of data to be communicated and the communication purpose, optimal communication for various situations The method can be selected.

First, a more specific configuration of the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the adapter 300 will be described.

The interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mount 400, which is a coupling mechanism. Similarly, the adapter 300 and the camera body 200 are mechanically and electrically connected via a mounting 401, which is a coupling mechanism. The interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 obtain power from the camera body 200 via a power supply terminal (not shown) provided on the mounts 400 and 401. Then, the power supply necessary for the operation of various actuators, which will be described later, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 is supplied. The interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200, and the adapter 300 communicate with each other via communication terminals (shown in FIG. 2) provided on the mounts 400 and 401.

The interchangeable lens 100 has an imaging optical system. The imaging optical system includes a field lens 101, a variable magnification lens 102 for scaling, and an aperture unit 114 for adjusting the amount of light, in order from the subject OBJ side. Further, the imaging optical system includes an anti-vibration lens 103 that reduces (corrects) image shake and a focus lens 104 that adjusts the focus.

The variable magnification lens 102 and the focus lens 104 are held by the lens holding frames 105 and 106, respectively. The lens holding frames 105 and 106 are movably guided in the optical axis direction (indicated by a broken line in the figure) by a guide shaft (not shown), and are driven in the optical axis direction by stepping motors 107 and 108. The stepping motors 107 and 108 move the zoom lens 102 and the focus lens 104 in synchronization with the drive pulse, respectively.

The anti-vibration lens 103 reduces image shake caused by camera shake (camera shake, etc.) by shifting in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the imaging optical system.

The lens microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a lens microcomputer) 111 is a lens control unit (accessory control unit) that controls the operation of each unit in the interchangeable lens 100. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 receives a control command and a transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit (accessory communication unit) 112 including the lens communication interface circuit. The lens microcomputer 111 controls the lens corresponding to the control command, and transmits the lens data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 via the lens communication unit 112.

Further, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the zoom drive circuit 119 and the focus drive circuit 120 in response to commands related to scaling and focusing among the control commands to drive the stepping motors 107 and 108. As a result, zoom processing for controlling the scaling operation by the zoom lens 102 and AF (autofocus) processing for controlling the focus adjustment operation by the focus lens 104 are performed.

The diaphragm unit 114 includes diaphragm blades 114a and 114b. The state (position) of the diaphragm blades 114a and 114b is detected by the Hall element 115. The output from the Hall element 115 is input to the lens microcomputer 111 via the amplifier circuit 122 and the A / D conversion circuit 123. The lens microcomputer 111 outputs a drive signal to the aperture drive circuit 121 based on the input signal from the A / D conversion circuit 123 to drive the aperture actuator 113. Thereby, the light amount adjustment operation by the diaphragm unit 114 is controlled.

Further, the lens microcomputer 111 is a vibration-proof actuator (voice coil motor) via a vibration-proof drive circuit 125 in response to camera shake detected by a shake sensor (not shown) such as a vibration gyro provided in the interchangeable lens 100. Etc.) Drive 126. As a result, the vibration isolation process for controlling the shift operation (vibration isolation operation) of the vibration isolation lens 103 is performed.

Further, the interchangeable lens 100 has a manual operation ring (hereinafter, simply referred to as an operation ring) 130 and a ring rotation detector 131. The ring rotation detector 131 is composed of, for example, a photo interrupter that outputs a two-phase signal according to the rotation of the operation ring 130. The lens microcomputer 111 can detect the amount of rotation of the operation ring 130 by using the two-phase signals. Further, the lens microcomputer 111 can notify the camera microcomputer 205 of the rotation operation amount of the operation ring 130 via the lens communication unit 112.

The adapter 300 is, for example, an extender for changing the focal length, and has a variable magnification lens 301 and an adapter microcomputer (hereinafter, referred to as an adapter microcomputer) 302. The adapter microcomputer 302 is an adapter control unit (accessory control unit) that controls the operation of each unit in the adapter 300. Further, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives the control command and the transmission request command transmitted from the camera body 200 via the adapter communication unit (accessory communication unit) 303 including the communication interface circuit. The adapter microcomputer 302 performs adapter control corresponding to the control command, and transmits the adapter data corresponding to the transmission request command to the camera body 200 via the adapter communication unit 303.

The camera body 200 displays an image pickup element 201 such as a CCD sensor or a CMOS sensor, an A / D conversion circuit 202, a signal processing circuit 203, a recording unit 204, and a camera microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a camera microcomputer) 205. It has a part 206.

The image sensor 201 photoelectrically converts the subject image formed by the image pickup optical system in the interchangeable lens 100 and outputs an electric signal (analog signal). The A / D conversion circuit 202 converts the analog signal from the image sensor 201 into a digital signal. The signal processing circuit 203 performs various image processing on the digital signal from the A / D conversion circuit 202 to generate a video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 also generates focus information indicating the contrast state (focus state of the imaging optical system) of the subject image and luminance information indicating the exposure state from the video signal. The signal processing circuit 203 outputs a video signal to the display unit 206, and the display unit 206 displays the video signal as a live view image used for checking the composition, focus state, and the like.

The camera microcomputer 205 as a camera control unit controls the camera body 200 in response to inputs from camera operating members such as an imaging instruction switch (not shown) and various setting switches. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to the variable magnification operation of the zoom lens 102 to the lens microcomputer 111 in response to an operation of a zoom switch (not shown) via the camera communication unit 208 including a communication interface circuit. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a control command related to the light amount adjusting operation of the aperture unit 114 according to the luminance information and the focus adjusting operation of the focus lens 104 according to the focus information to the lens microcomputer 111 via the camera communication unit 208. .. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring the control information and the state information of the interchangeable lens 100 to the lens microcomputer 111 as needed. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits a transmission request command for acquiring the control information and the state information of the adapter 300 to the adapter microcomputer 302.

Next, a communication circuit configured between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described with reference to FIG. The camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 communicate using signal lines (channels) connected via communication terminals provided on the mounts 400 and 401 described above.

The signal lines include a signal line CS for transmitting a signal for communication control (first signal line: corresponding to a signal transmission channel) and a signal line for communicating data (second signal line: data). DATA (corresponding to a communication channel) is provided.

The signal line CS is connected to the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111. Therefore, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can detect High and Low as the state of the signal line CS. Further, the signal line CS is pull-up connected to a power source (not shown) in the camera body 200. The signal line CS can be connected to the ground GND (open drain connection) via the ground switch 1121 in the interchangeable lens 100, the ground switch 2081 in the camera body 200, and the ground switch 3031 in the adapter 300. ..

With this configuration, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can set the signal line CS to Low by turning on (connecting) the grounding switches 2081, 1121, 3031, respectively. Further, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 can set the signal line CS to High by turning off (cutting off) the grounding switches 2081, 1121, 3031, respectively.

Further, a CS switch (channel switch) 3033 is provided in the adapter 300 as an accessory device with a switch. The adapter microcomputer 302 can connect and disconnect the signal line CS by switching the CS switch 3033 between the connected state and the disconnected state. When the CS switch 3033 is disconnected, the signal output state from the adapter 300 to the signal line CS from the camera body side (camera body 200 in this embodiment) and the signal output state from the adapter 300 to the signal line CS are on the interchangeable lens side. It is not transmitted to (in this embodiment, the interchangeable lens 100 itself). That is, the broadcast communication described later cannot be performed from the adapter 300 to the communication slave on the interchangeable lens side.

However, when switching the connection and disconnection of the CS switch 3033, noise as an unnecessary signal may be generated, and this noise may cause a malfunction of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. Countermeasures against this noise will be described later.

Further, details of communication control signals (instructions and notifications) transmitted through the signal line CS and their output processing will be described later.

The signal line DATA is a single-line bidirectional data communication line that can be used while switching the data transmission direction. The signal line DATA can be connected to the lens microcomputer 111 via the input / output changeover switch 1122 in the interchangeable lens 100, and can be connected to the camera microcomputer 205 via the input / output changeover switch 2082 in the camera body 200. Further, the signal line DATA can be connected to the adapter microcomputer 302 via the input / output changeover switch 3032 in the adapter 300. Each microcomputer includes a CMOS-type data output unit for transmitting data and a CMOS-type data input unit for receiving data (neither is shown). By switching the input / output changeover switch, each microcomputer can select whether to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit or the data input unit.

When transmitting data, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 each set an input / output changeover switch so as to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit. Further, each of the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 sets an input / output changeover switch so as to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit when receiving data. The details of the input / output switching process of the signal line DATA will be described later.

Although FIG. 2 shows an example of a communication circuit, it may be another communication circuit. For example, the signal line CS can be pull-down connected to GND in the camera body 200 and connected to a power supply (not shown) via the ground switch 1121 of the interchangeable lens 100, the ground switch 2081 of the camera body 200, and the ground switch 3031 of the adapter 300. It may be configured. Further, the interchangeable lens 100, the camera body 200 and the adapter 300 may be configured such that the signal line DATA is always connected to the data input unit, and the connection / disconnection between the signal line DATA and the data output unit can be switched by a switch. ..
[Communication data format]
Next, the format of communication data exchanged between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described with reference to FIG. This communication data format is common to broadcast communication, which is the first communication described later, and P2P communication, which is the second communication. Here, a communication data format in the case of performing so-called pace-synchronized communication in which the communication speed used for communication is agreed in advance between the microcomputers and transmission / reception is performed at a communication bit rate according to this agreement will be described.

First, in the non-transmission state in which data is not transmitted, the signal level (voltage level) is maintained at High. Next, in order to notify the data receiving side of the start of data transmission, the signal level is set to Low for a 1-bit period. This 1-bit period is called the start bit ST. Subsequently, 1-byte data is transmitted in an 8-bit period from the next 2nd bit to the 9th bit. The data bit array, as the MSB first format, starts with the highest data D7, continues with data D6, data D5, ..., Data D1, and ends with the lowest data D0. 1-bit parity PA information is added to the 10th bit, and by setting the signal level to High during the period of the stop bit SP indicating the end of the transmission data at the end, the 1-frame period started from the start bit ST ends. do.

Although an example of the communication data format is shown in FIG. 3, other communication data formats may be used. For example, the bit array of data may be LSB first or 9-bit length, or parity PA information may not be added. Further, the communication data format may be switched between broadcast communication and P2P communication.
[Broadcast communication]
Next, broadcast communication (first communication) will be described. Broadcast communication is one-to-many communication in which one of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 simultaneously transmits data (that is, simultaneous transmission) to the other two. This broadcast communication is performed using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. Further, the communication mode in which broadcast communication is performed is also referred to as a broadcast communication mode (first communication mode).

FIG. 4 shows a signal waveform in broadcast communication performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. Here, as an example, a case where the adapter microcomputer 302 performs broadcast communication to the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 in response to the broadcast communication from the camera microcomputer 205 to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 will be described.

First, the camera microcomputer 205, which is the communication master, starts Low output to the signal line CS in order to notify the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves, that the broadcast communication is started. Next, the camera microcomputer 205 outputs the data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 start Low output to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this point, since the camera microcomputer 205 has already started the Low output to the signal line CS, the signal level of the signal line CS does not change.

After that, the camera microcomputer 205 releases the Low output to the signal line CS when the output of the stop bit SP is completed. On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 receive the input stop bit SP from the signal line DATA, analyze the received data, and perform internal processing associated with the received data. Then, when the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is released. As described above, the signal level of the signal line CS becomes High when all of the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 cancel the Low output to the signal line CS. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 each release the Low output to the signal line CS, and then the signal level of the signal line CS becomes High. The camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 each complete the current communication process by confirming that the signal level of the signal line CS is High, and are ready for the next communication. It can be judged that it was.

Next, when the adapter microcomputer 302 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to High, the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs Low to the signal line CS in order to notify the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 that the broadcast communication is started. To start.

Subsequently, the adapter microcomputer 302 outputs the data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA. Further, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 start the Low output to the signal line CS at the timing when the start bit ST input from the signal line DATA is detected. At this point, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has already started the Low output to the signal line CS, the signal level propagated to the signal line CS does not change. After that, the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the Low output to the signal line CS when the output of the stop bit SP is completed. On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 receive the input stop bit SP from the signal line DATA, analyze the received data, and perform internal processing associated with the received data. Then, after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed, the Low output to the signal line CS is released.

As described above, the signal transmitted by the signal line CS in the broadcast communication functions as a signal indicating the start (execution) and execution of the broadcast communication.

Although an example of broadcast communication is shown in FIG. 4, other broadcast communication may be performed. For example, the data transmitted in one broadcast communication may be 1-byte data as shown in FIG. 4, but may be 2-byte or 3-byte data. Further, the broadcast communication may be one-way communication from the camera microcomputer 205 which is the communication master to the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 which are communication slaves.
[P2P communication]
Next, P2P communication performed between the camera body 200 (camera microcomputer 205), the interchangeable lens 100 (lens microcomputer 111), and the adapter 300 (adapter microcomputer 302) will be described. In P2P communication, the camera body 200, which is the communication master, specifies (selects) one partner (specific accessory device) to communicate with the interchangeable lens 100, which is the communication slave, and the adapter 300, and only between the specified communication slave. It is one-to-one communication (individual communication) that sends and receives data. This P2P communication is also performed using the signal line CS and the signal line DATA. Further, the communication mode in which P2P communication is performed is also referred to as a P2P communication mode (second communication mode).

FIG. 5 shows, as an example, a signal waveform of P2P communication exchanged between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer (specific accessory device) 111 designated as the communication partner. In response to the 1-byte data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 2-byte data to the camera microcomputer 205. The communication mode (broadcast communication mode and P2P communication mode) switching process and the communication partner designation process in P2P communication will be described later.

First, the camera microcomputer 205, which is the communication master, outputs the data to be transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111 to the signal line DATA. The camera microcomputer 205 starts Low output (standby request) to the signal line CS after finishing the output of the stop bit SP. The camera microcomputer 205 releases the Low output to the signal line CS after the preparation for receiving the next data is completed. On the other hand, after detecting the Low signal input from the signal line CS, the lens microcomputer 111 analyzes the received data input from the signal line DATA and performs internal processing associated with the received data. After that, when the lens microcomputer 111 confirms that the signal level of the signal line CS has returned to High, the lens microcomputer 111 outputs the data to be transmitted to the signal line DATA continuously for 2 bytes.

The lens microcomputer 111 starts low output to the signal line CS after finishing up to the output of the stop bit SP of the second byte. After that, the lens microcomputer 111 releases the Low output to the signal line CS when the next data is ready to be received. The adapter microcomputer 302 that is not designated as a communication partner for P2P communication does not output a signal to the signal line CS and the signal line DATA.

As described above, the signal transmitted by the signal line CS in the P2P communication functions as a notification signal indicating the end of data transmission and the standby request for the next data transmission.

Although an example of P2P communication is shown in FIG. 5, other P2P communication may be performed, for example, data may be transmitted byte by byte on the signal line DATA, or data of 3 bytes or more may be transmitted. You may.
[Communication mode switching process and communication partner specification process]
Next, the communication mode switching process and the communication partner designation process in P2P communication will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 shows a signal waveform at the time of communication mode switching and communication partner designation exchanged between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302. The communication partner of P2P communication is designated by broadcast communication. Here, as an example, when the adapter microcomputer 302 is designated as the communication partner for P2P communication from the camera microcomputer 205, and P2P communication of 1-byte data from the camera microcomputer 205 and P2P communication of 1-byte data from the adapter microcomputer 302 are executed. Will be explained. After that, the camera microcomputer 205 designates the lens microcomputer 111 as a communication partner for P2P communication, and P2P communication of 2-byte data from the camera microcomputer 205 and P2P communication of 3-byte data from the lens microcomputer 111 are executed.

First, the camera microcomputer 205, which is a communication master, executes broadcast communication according to the procedure described with reference to FIG. What is notified by this broadcast communication is slave designation data that specifies a partner to communicate with the camera microcomputer 205 in the next P2P communication. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are communication slaves at this time, determine whether or not they are designated as communication partners for P2P communication based on the slave designation data received in the broadcast communication. Based on this determination result, the communication mode between the camera microcomputer 205 and the designated communication slave (specific accessory device) is switched from the broadcast communication mode to the P2P communication mode. Since the adapter microcomputer 302 is designated as the communication partner here, in the next P2P communication, data is transmitted / received between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 according to the procedure described with reference to FIG. Here, 1-byte data is transmitted from the camera microcomputer 205 to the adapter microcomputer 302, and then 1-byte data is transmitted from the adapter microcomputer 302 to the camera microcomputer 205.

When the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 can again specify a communication partner to communicate by P2P communication by broadcast communication. Here, in order to specify the lens microcomputer 111 as the communication partner for the next P2P communication, the lens microcomputer 111 is set as the slave designation data, and the broadcast communication is executed by the procedure described with reference to FIG. In response to this broadcast communication, the adapter microcomputer 302 ends the P2P communication, and at the same time, the communication mode of the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 is switched to the P2P communication mode. If the broadcast communication is not executed here, the P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 is continued.

In the next P2P communication, data is transmitted and received between the camera microcomputer 205 and the lens microcomputer 111 according to the procedure described with reference to FIG. Here, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits 2-byte data to the lens microcomputer 111, and then the lens microcomputer 111 transmits 3-byte data to the camera microcomputer 205.

As described above, it is possible to specify a communication partner for P2P communication by broadcast communication, and it is possible to switch between broadcast communication and P2P communication at the same time.
[Communication control processing]
Next, the communication control process performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 will be described. First, the processing in the broadcast communication mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7A and 7B. FIG. 7A shows the processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and FIG. 7B shows the processing performed by the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302. The camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302, which are computers, execute this process and other processes described later according to a communication control program as a computer program.

When an event for starting broadcast communication occurs in step S100, the camera microcomputer 205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 in step S101 to set the signal line CS to Low. As a result, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are notified of the start of broadcast communication. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 that have detected the Low of the signal line CS in step S200 permit the data reception from the signal line DATA in step S201.

Next, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S102 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S103. When the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 detect the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S202, they turn on (connect) the ground switch 1121 and the ground switch 3031 to indicate that communication processing is in progress in step S205. As a result, Low output to the signal line CS is started. After that, when it is determined that all the data has been received in the lens microcomputer 111, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the step S206, the data reception from the signal line DATA is prohibited in the step S207. Further, in step S208, the ground switch 1121 and the ground switch 3031 are turned off (blocked) to indicate that the communication process is completed, and the Low output to the signal line CS is released. There is no limit to the number of bytes of data transmitted / received here, and it is sufficient that the recognition is the same among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

Subsequently, in step S104, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the data transmitted in step S103 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302. If it is not a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in step S105 to cancel the Low output to the signal line CS, and proceeds to step S116. In the case of a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S106 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Then, in step S107, the ground switch 2081 is turned off (cut off) to release the Low output to the signal line CS, and in step S108, the signal line CS waits until it becomes High.

On the other hand, in step S209, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine whether or not the data received in step S206 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 proceed to step S215 if the command is not bidirectional, and wait until the signal line CS becomes High in step S210 if the command is bidirectional. Then, when the signal line CS becomes High, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 notify (connect) the grounding switches 1121 and 3031 in step S211 to set the signal line CS to Low to notify the start of broadcast communication. do. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects the Low of the signal line CS in step S109, it permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S110.

Subsequently, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 operate the input / output changeover switches 1122 and 3032 in step S212 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and perform data transmission in step S213. When the camera microcomputer 205 detects the start bit of the signal line DATA in step S111, it turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 to indicate that communication processing is in progress in step S112. As a result, Low output to the signal line CS is started. The lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 release the Low output to the signal line CS by turning off (cutting off) the grounding switches 1121 and 3031 in step S214 after the transmission of all the data is completed.

When the camera microcomputer 205 determines that all the data has been received in step S113, the camera microcomputer 205 prohibits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S114. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 to indicate that the communication process is completed in step S115, and releases the Low output to the signal line CS. There is no limit to the number of bytes of data transmitted / received here, and it is sufficient that the recognition is the same among the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

Subsequently, the camera microcomputer 205 waits until the signal line CS becomes High in step S116. When the signal line CS becomes High, the camera microcomputer 205 determines in step S117 whether or not the lens microcomputer 111 or the adapter microcomputer 302 is designated as the communication partner for P2P communication based on the data transmitted in step S103. If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are not designated as communication partners, the camera microcomputer 205 ends the process as it is, and if any of them is specified, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S118.

On the other hand, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 wait until the signal line CS becomes High in step S215. When the signal line CS becomes High, the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 determine in step S216 whether or not they have been designated as a communication partner for P2P communication by the camera microcomputer 205 based on the data received in step S206. If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 are not designated as communication partners, the processing ends as they are. When designated as a communication partner, the designated microcomputer among the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 permits data reception from the signal line DATA in step S217, and shifts to the P2P communication mode in step S218.

If the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 have not detected the start bit in step S202, they confirm whether or not the signal line CS has become High in step S203. When the signal line CS becomes High (returns), the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302 prohibit data reception from the signal line DATA in step S204 and end the process. This is a process for a communication slave that is not designated as a communication partner for P2P communication to support Low output to the signal line CS by P2P communication between the camera microcomputer 205 and another communication slave.

Next, the processing in the P2P communication mode will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A shows the processing performed by the camera microcomputer 205, and FIG. 8B shows the processing performed by the microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as a specific microcomputer) designated as the communication partner of the P2P communication among the lens microcomputer 111 and the adapter microcomputer 302.

When an event for starting P2P communication occurs in step S300, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S301 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S302. After that, when all the data transmission is completed, the camera microcomputer 205 turns on (connects) the ground switch 2081 in step S303 and starts the Low output to the signal line CS. On the other hand, when the specific microcomputer detects the Low of the signal line CS in step S400, it determines that the data transmission from the camera microcomputer 205 has been completed, and analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA in step S401.

Subsequently, in step S304, the camera microcomputer 205 determines whether or not the data transmitted in step S302 is a bidirectional command including transmission from the specific microcomputer. If the command is not bidirectional, the camera microcomputer 205 turns off (cuts off) the ground switch 2081 in step S305 to release the Low output to the signal line CS. Then, after waiting until the signal line CS becomes High in step S306, the process proceeds to step S311. In the case of a bidirectional command, the camera microcomputer 205 operates the input / output changeover switch 2082 in step S307 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. Then, by turning off (cutting off) the ground switch 2081 in step S308, the Low output to the signal line CS is released.

On the other hand, the specific microcomputer waits until the signal line CS becomes High in step S402, and then determines in step S403 whether or not the data received in step S401 is a bidirectional command including transmission from itself. If it is not a bidirectional command, the specific microcomputer turns on (connects) and turns off (disconnects) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in steps S404 and S405. As a result, the Low output to the signal line CS is started and canceled, and the process proceeds to step S411. In the case of a bidirectional command, the specific microcomputer operates the input / output changeover switch (1122 or 3032) in step S406 to connect the signal line DATA to the data output unit, and performs data transmission in step S407. After that, when all the data transmission is completed, the specific microcomputer starts the Low output to the signal line CS by turning on (connecting) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in step S408.

Subsequently, when the camera microcomputer 205 detects the Low of the signal line CS in step S609, it determines that the data transmission from the specific microcomputer has been completed in step S310, and analyzes the data received from the signal line DATA. On the other hand, the specific microcomputer operates the input / output changeover switch (1122 or 3032) in step S409 to connect the signal line DATA to the data input unit. After that, the specific microcomputer turns off (cuts off) the ground switch (1121 or 3031) in step S410 to release the Low output to the signal line CS.

Next, the camera microcomputer 205 waits until the signal line CS becomes High in step S311. After that, when an event for starting broadcast communication occurs in step S312, the camera microcomputer 205 shifts to the broadcast communication mode in step S313. On the other hand, the specific microcomputer waits until the signal line CS becomes High in step S411 and ends the process.

As described above, in this embodiment, the meaning (function) of the signal transmitted by the signal line CS is appropriately switched between the broadcast communication and the P2P communication. As a result, communication between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302 can be realized with a small number of signal lines (number of channels).
[Authentication communication processing]
Next, the authentication communication process in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 9 shows a signal waveform in an authentication communication process performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the lens microcomputer 111, and the adapter microcomputer 302.

At the top of the figure, the data communicated by the signal line DATA is shown, the "camera" is the data output by the camera microcomputer 205, the "adapter" is the data output by the adapter microcomputer 302, and the "lens" is the lens. The data output by the microcomputer 111 is shown. The "CS signal (camera)" indicates the signal output state of the signal line CS detected by the camera microcomputer 205 (hereinafter referred to as the CS signal state), and the "CS output (camera)" is output by the camera microcomputer 205 to the signal line CS. Shows a signal. The "CS signal (adapter)" indicates the CS signal state detected by the adapter microcomputer 302, and the "CS output (adapter)" indicates the signal output by the adapter microcomputer 302 to the signal line CS. “CSSW” indicates the state of the CS switch 3033 controlled by the adapter microcomputer 302, and Low indicates the connection state. The "CS signal (lens)" indicates the CS signal state detected by the lens microcomputer 111, and the "CS output (lens)" indicates the signal output by the lens microcomputer 111 to the signal line CS.

The flowchart of FIG. 10 shows the flow of the authentication communication process. In this authentication communication process, power supply to the interchangeable lens 100 and the adapter 300 is started from the camera body 200 in response to detecting the connection of the interchangeable lens 100 by the lens detection switch 1123 provided on the camera body 200. It will be done accordingly.

FIG. 11 shows the timing and period of the CS dead setting (S502, S505, S506, S516, S518) and the CS change ignore setting (S511, S514, S522, S524) in the authentication communication process shown in FIG. Dotted lines in the CS signal (camera), CS signal (adapter), and CS signal (lens) in FIG. 11 indicate the timing and period of the CS insensitivity setting and the CS change ignore setting in FIG.

At the start of the authentication communication process, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication start request command via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication in step S500. That is, authentication start communication is performed. This process is performed as a preprocess for authentication communication by the camera microcomputer 205. At this time, the CS switch 3033 is set to the connected state. The processing in the broadcast communication and the P2P communication performed later is as described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B and FIGS. 8A and 8B. Further, as described above, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 have different signals (Low) on the signal line CS during communication with the camera microcomputer 205 (communication start to end) and during communication standby in broadcast communication and P2P communication. And High) are output. These signals indicating communication in progress and communication standby correspond to accessory signals.

In step S501, the camera microcomputer 205 that has transmitted the authentication start request command shifts to a state in which the signal change of the signal line CS is not detected, in other words, a state in which the signal change is not accepted. That is, the CS insensitivity setting is performed. After that, when the above-mentioned fixed time elapses, the camera microcomputer 205 returns to the state of detecting (accepting) the signal change of the signal line CS in step S502. That is, the CS insensitivity setting is released. As described above, in this embodiment, a CS insensitivity period is provided as an input invalid period in which the signal change of the signal line CS is not detected. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs in the signal line CS due to the adapter microcomputer 302 switching the CS switch 3033 in step S512 described later, this is within the CS dead period, so that the camera microcomputer 205 is prevented from malfunctioning. can do.

The adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 that have received the authentication start request command perform broadcast communication reception processing in steps S510 and S521, respectively. If the received result is the authentication start request command, the adapter microcomputer 302 proceeds to step S511.

In step S511, the adapter microcomputer 302 sets the CS change ignore setting. At the same time, in step S522, the lens microcomputer 111 also sets the CS change ignoring setting. This CS change ignoring setting is a setting in which if the signal of the signal line CS changes and then returns to its original state within a short time, the process normally performed according to the signal change of the signal line CS is not performed. .. In other words, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 shift to a state in which the signal change of the signal line CS is detected (accepted) but ignored (invalidated) for a predetermined period. That is, even if the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 detect the signal change of the signal line CS, they recognize that there is no signal change of the signal line CS. A predetermined period (hereinafter referred to as a CS change ignoring period) in which the change in the CS signal is set to be ignored also corresponds to an input invalid period.

After that, the adapter microcomputer 302 switches the CS switch 3033 from the connected state to the disconnected state in step S512. After that, when the CS change ignoring period ends through step S513 described later, the adapter microcomputer 302 shifts to the state of detecting the signal change of the signal line CS in step S514. That is, the CS change ignore setting is canceled. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs in the signal line CS due to the switching of the CS switch 3033 in step S512, since this is within the CS change ignoring period, it is possible to prevent the adapter microcomputer 302 from malfunctioning.

Here, the switching timing of the CS switch 3033 is after the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the Low output to the signal line CS (after step S208 in FIG. 7B), but it is immediately before or at the same time as the Low output release. It doesn't matter.

On the other hand, the camera microcomputer 205 whose CS dead setting is released in step S502 performs the process of step S503 in response to the release of the Low output to the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 and the communication circuit being in communication standby. .. In step S503, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication request command via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication. That is, authentication request communication is performed. In the subsequent processing, the camera microcomputer 205 performs authentication communication. The authentication request command is slave designation data for designating the communication slave that received it by broadcast communication as a designated slave (specific accessory device). Since the signal line CS is disconnected by the CS switch 3033 in step S512, the Low output to the signal line CS in step S503 is not detected by the lens microcomputer 111.

On the other hand, since the signal line DATA is connected, the authentication request command is transmitted to the lens microcomputer 111. However, the authentication request command is a command premised on broadcast communication in which data can be received only when the signal line CS is Low. Therefore, the lens microcomputer 111 that receives the authentication request command while the signal line CS is High ignores this.

Further, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives the authentication request command via the signal line DATA in the broadcast communication in step S513. Since the adapter microcomputer 302 that has received the authentication request command receives the authentication request command for the first time, it is the slave designation data transmitted to itself, and the next P2P communication is the communication addressed to itself. Interpret. When this reception is completed, the adapter microcomputer 302 cancels the CS change ignore setting in step S514.

Next, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an ID communication request command via the signal line DATA by P2P communication in step S504. That is, authentication information communication is performed. At this time, the camera microcomputer 205 does not recognize that the communication partner of the P2P communication is the adapter microcomputer 302. This is because at this point, it is not yet known what kind of accessories and how many accessories are connected to the camera body 200. The camera microcomputer 205 only knows that any of the connected communication slaves responds to P2P communication by designating the designated slave by the authentication request command transmitted in step S503.

The adapter microcomputer 302 designated as the designated slave receives the ID communication request command by P2P communication in step S515, and in response to this, sends its own ID information (authentication information) by P2P communication to the camera microcomputer via the signal line DATA. Send to 205.

Next, when the camera microcomputer 205 receives the ID information (authentication information), in step S505, the CS dead setting is performed again. Then, after a certain period of time has elapsed, the camera microcomputer 205 cancels the CS insensitivity setting in step S506. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs in the signal line CS due to the adapter microcomputer 302 switching the CS switch 3033 in step S517 described later, the camera microcomputer 205 malfunctions because this is within the CS dead period. Can be prevented.

Similarly, the adapter microcomputer 302 also performs the CS dead setting in step S516. After that, when a certain period (CS insensitivity period) elapses, the adapter microcomputer 302 switches the CS switch 3033 from the disconnected state to the connected state in step S517. The adapter microcomputer 302 that has switched the CS switch 3033 to the connected state cancels the CS dead setting in step S518. As a result, even if a signal change due to noise occurs in the signal line CS due to the switching of the CS switch 3033 in step S517, since this is within the CS dead period, it is possible to prevent the adapter microcomputer 302 from malfunctioning.

Here, the switching timing of the CS switch 3033 is after the adapter microcomputer 302 releases the Low output to the signal line CS (after step S410 in FIG. 8B), but it is immediately before or at the same time as the Low output release. It doesn't matter.

Further, the P2P communication in steps S504 and S515 may be performed only once or twice or more between the camera microcomputer 205 and the adapter microcomputer 302 as shown in FIG.

Further, although the timing for switching the CS switch 3033 to the connected state is after step S515 in this flowchart, it may be before step S515 (after receiving the authentication request command in step S513). This is because the adapter microcomputer 302 that has received the authentication request command by broadcast communication recognizes that it is the slave designation data to itself, and the lens microcomputer 111 that has not received the authentication request command has the slave designation data to itself. Is not recognized. Therefore, even if the CS switch 3033 is switched to the connected state after step S513, only the adapter microcomputer 302 responds to the ID communication request command in step S515.

Next, the camera microcomputer 205 requests authentication via the signal line DATA again by broadcast communication in step S507 in response to the low output to the signal line CS by the adapter microcomputer 302 being released and the communication circuit being in communication standby. Send a command. Here, since the signal line CS is connected, the adapter microcomputer 302 receives the authentication request command in step S519, and further receives the lens microcomputer 111 in step S523. However, since the adapter microcomputer 302 has already completed the communication (that is, authentication) in response to the authentication request command and the ID communication request command, the authentication request command is ignored here. On the other hand, since this is the first reception of the authentication request command, the lens microcomputer 111 interprets it as slave designation data for itself and prepares for P2P communication. When the reception is completed, the lens microcomputer 111 cancels the CS change ignoring setting in step S524.

After that, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an ID communication request command via the signal line DATA by P2P communication in step S508. Again, the camera microcomputer 205 does not recognize that the partner of the P2P communication is the lens microcomputer 111. This is for the same reason as for the adapter microcomputer 302. In step S525, the lens microcomputer 111 transmits its own ID information (authentication information) to the camera microcomputer 205 via the signal line DATA by P2P communication in response to the ID communication request command. When the camera microcomputer 205 confirms that the received ID information is that of the interchangeable lens 100, it determines that no further communication slave to be authenticated is connected. Then, the camera microcomputer 205 transmits an authentication end request command for terminating the authentication communication process in step S509 via the signal line DATA by broadcast communication. That is, the authentication end communication is performed. In steps S520 and 526, the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 receive the authentication end request command. As a result, the authentication communication process is completed.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the camera microcomputer 205 sequentially designates the designated slaves by using broadcast communication each time the CS output state indicates that the designated slave is in communication standby, and the designated slaves are sequentially designated by using broadcast communication and P2P communication. Perform authentication communication.

According to this embodiment, in a camera system that communicates with two lines (two channels) of signal line CS and signal line DATA, the accessory device closer to the camera body 200 is sequentially switched by switching the CS switch 3033 provided in the adapter 300. Authentication communication can be performed. Finally, the authentication communication for the interchangeable lens can be performed. As a result, even if a plurality of accessory devices are connected to the camera body 200, authentication communication can be performed in a short time.

Moreover, even if noise is generated by switching the CS switch 3033 during this authentication communication, the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 are provided with a CS dead period or a CS change ignoring period to avoid malfunction. be able to. That is, it is possible to prevent the authentication communication from being redone. As a result, even if a plurality of accessory devices are connected to the camera body 200, authentication communication can be performed in a short time.
[Modification example]
Hereinafter, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a case where a CS dead period and a CS change ignoring period are provided when performing authentication communication between the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 has been described. However, a CS dead period or a CS change ignoring period may be provided when communication other than authentication communication is performed between the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111. That is, when the camera microcomputer 205 performs authentication communication or other specific communication while sequentially designating the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111, a CS insensitivity period or a CS change ignoring period may be provided. Further, in the first embodiment, a case where the camera microcomputer 205, the adapter microcomputer 302, and the lens microcomputer 111 perform data communication in response to various request commands has been described. However, processing different from data communication may be performed, and in this case as well, a CS dead period or a CS change ignoring period may be provided.

The ID information as authentication information transmitted by the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111 to the camera microcomputer 205 in response to the ID communication request command is a serial number for each type of accessory device (for example, the interchangeable lens is 00 and the extender is 01). It may be the information of. Further, the information may have a meaning assigned to each bit. Further, it may be a plurality of bytes of information. The ID information may be any information indicating the type and function of the accessory device.

In the above-described authentication communication process, the case where the camera microcomputer 205 confirms that the ID information belongs to the interchangeable lens 100 and determines the end of the authentication communication has been described. On the other hand, the ID information may include information indicating the interchangeable lens and information instructing the end of the authentication communication, and the camera microcomputer 205 may detect the information to determine the end of the authentication communication. In addition to the ID information communication, confirmation communication for confirming with the communication slave whether or not the authentication communication can be terminated may be performed separately by P2P communication before and after the ID communication.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the camera microcomputer 205 does not instruct the timing of connecting the CS switch 3033 has been described, but the CS switch connection command is provided and the camera microcomputer 205 transmits this by P2P communication during the authentication communication process. You may. In this case, since the CS switch connection command is transmitted and received by P2P communication, the adapter microcomputer 302 may transmit the authentication information to the camera microcomputer 205.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the CS change ignoring period is provided after the reception of the authentication start request command (steps S510 and S521) is described for the adapter microcomputer 302 and the lens microcomputer 111. However, instead of the CS change ignoring period, a CS insensitivity period may be provided as in the camera microcomputer 205.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where one adapter 300 is connected between the camera body 200 and the interchangeable lens 100 has been described, but a plurality of adapters may be connected and connected. Even when a plurality of adapters are connected in this way, it is possible to authenticate each adapter and the interchangeable lens 100 in a short time by the same procedure as the procedure described in the first embodiment. At this time, the plurality of adapters that have received the authentication start request command all at once by broadcast communication turn off the CS switch at almost the same time. Therefore, the subsequent authentication is always performed while being sequentially specified one by one from the adapter closer to the camera body 200. Then, as in the case where one adapter is connected, the interchangeable lens 100 is finally authenticated to complete a series of authentication communication processes.

When the adapter 300 is not connected and the interchangeable lens 100 is directly connected to the camera body 200, the authentication communication part for the adapter 300 is performed in the authentication communication processing shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Authentication communication is performed for the interchangeable lens 100 without fail.

Further, the adapter 300 in the first embodiment may be an extender as described above, an adapter including a driveable optical member (focus lens, diaphragm, anti-vibration lens, etc.), and various sensors (phase difference sensor, etc.). It may be an adapter including an angular speed sensor or the like).
(Other Examples)
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Each of the above-described examples is only a representative example, and various modifications and changes can be made to each of the examples in carrying out the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which an interchangeable lens and an intermediate adapter are used as an accessory device is shown, but as an accessory device, an interchangeable lens directly attached to the camera body and a strobe directly attached to the camera body are used. May be good.

100 Interchangeable Lens 200 Camera Body 300 Adapter 111 Lens Microcomputer 205 Camera Microcomputer 302 Adapter Microcomputer 112 Lens Communication Unit 208 Camera Communication Unit 303 Adapter Communication Unit

Claims (19)

An imaging device that can be used with multiple accessory devices connected.
A camera connected to a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices and a data communication channel used for data communication between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. With the communication department
It has a camera control unit that performs data communication or processing in response to an accessory signal input from any of the plurality of accessory devices via the signal transmission channel.
When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connecting and disconnecting the signal transmission channel.
The camera control unit is an imaging device that provides an input invalid period during which the data communication or the processing is not performed in response to a signal from the signal transmission channel when the channel switch is switched. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit does not receive the input signal during the input invalid period. The imaging device according to claim 1, wherein the camera control unit invalidates the input signal received during the input invalid period. The camera control unit
As the data communication, it is possible to perform the first communication with the plurality of accessory devices and the second communication with the specific accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices.
Each time the accessory signal indicating that the first communication is waiting is received from each of the accessory devices via the signal transmission channel, the specific accessory device is sequentially designated using the first communication, and the first Specific communication with the specific accessory device is performed using the first and second communications, and the specific communication is performed.
The imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein an input invalid period is provided when switching the channel switch for performing the specific communication while sequentially designating the specific accessory devices. .. The imaging device according to claim 4, wherein the camera control unit provides the input invalid period when the channel switch is switched before starting the specific communication with the accessory device with a switch. The imaging device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the camera control unit provides the input invalid period when switching the channel switch after starting the specific communication with the accessory device with a switch. .. Any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the specific communication is an authentication communication in which the camera control unit requests the specific accessory device to transmit the authentication information and receives the authentication information from the specific accessory device. The image pickup apparatus according to item 1. The accessory device connected to an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected.
An accessory connected to a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices and a data communication channel used for data communication between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. With the communication department
It has an accessory control unit that inputs an accessory signal to the image pickup device via the signal transmission channel and performs data communication or processing.
When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connecting and disconnecting the signal transmission channel.
The accessory control unit is an accessory device that provides an input invalid period during which the data communication or the processing is not performed in response to a signal from the signal transmission channel when the channel switch is switched. The accessory device according to claim 8, wherein the accessory device has a switch. The accessory device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the accessory control unit does not receive the input signal during the input invalid period. The accessory device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the accessory control unit invalidates the input signal received during the input invalid period. As the data communication, the imaging device can perform a first communication with the plurality of accessory devices and a second communication with a specific accessory device among the plurality of accessory devices.
The accessory control unit
The accessory signal indicating that the first communication is waiting is output to the signal transmission channel.
When the specific accessory device is designated as the specific accessory device by the imaging device that sequentially designates the specific accessory device by using the first communication each time a signal indicating that the standby is received is received from each of the accessory devices, the first and the specific accessory devices are designated. Specific communication with the image pickup apparatus is performed using the second communication, and the specific communication is performed.
8. The accessory device described. The accessory device according to claim 12, wherein the accessory control unit provides the input invalid period when the channel switch is switched before starting the specific communication with the image pickup device. The accessory device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the accessory control unit provides the input invalid period at the time of switching the channel switch after starting the specific communication with the image pickup device. Any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the specific communication is an authentication communication in which the accessory control unit receives a request for authentication information from the image pickup device and transmits the authentication information to the image pickup device. The accessory device described in the section. An image pickup device that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected, and a signal transmission channel used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices, the image pickup device, and the plurality of accessory devices. It is a control method of an image pickup apparatus connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between the two.
When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connecting and disconnecting the signal transmission channel.
A step of performing the data communication or processing according to an accessory signal input from any of the plurality of accessory devices via the signal transmission channel.
A method for controlling an imaging device, which comprises a step of providing an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed in response to a signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. The accessory device connected to an image pickup device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected, and a signal transmission channel and the image pickup device used for signal transmission between the image pickup device and the plurality of accessory devices. A method of controlling an accessory device connected to a data communication channel used for data communication between the device and the plurality of accessory devices.
When the plurality of accessory devices include at least one accessory device with a switch having a channel switch for switching between connecting and disconnecting the signal transmission channel.
A step of inputting an accessory signal to the image pickup apparatus via the signal transmission channel and performing the data communication or processing.
A method for controlling an accessory device, which comprises a step of providing an input invalid period in which the data communication or the processing is not performed in response to a signal from the signal transmission channel when switching the channel switch. A control program, which is a computer program that operates a computer of an imaging device that can be used in a state where a plurality of accessory devices are connected according to the control method according to claim 16. A control program according to claim 17, wherein a computer of the accessory device connected to an imaging device that can be used with a plurality of accessory devices connected is operated according to the control method according to claim 17.

Images